I’m glad I never reviewed this - AYANEO Pocket S

ShortCircuit
16 Jul 202408:16

TLDRThe AYANEO Pocket S is a handheld gaming device powered by Qualcomm's new G3X Gen 2, promising efficiency and performance. Despite its compact form factor and impressive battery life, the device faces competition from the Steam Deck. The review highlights its heat issues, fan noise, and ergonomics, while also pointing out the controller binding problems and the screen's 60Hz limitation. The high starting price of $590 positions it against x86 handhelds, raising questions about its value proposition in the market.

Takeaways

  • 🔋 The AYANEO Pocket S is an ARM-powered device designed for efficient battery life and adequate performance.
  • 😀 The form factor and feel of the device are appreciated, with the device being compact and comfortable to hold.
  • 🤖 It features Qualcomm's new G3X Gen 2, which is a gaming-centric chip similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but with a more powerful GPU.
  • 🔥 The device can get quite hot, especially in high-performance mode, indicating a need for effective cooling.
  • 🔌 It includes a fully-fledged USB 3.2 Gen 2 port and micro SD expansion, showing versatility in connectivity and storage.
  • 🎮 The device has a turbo mode switch, hall effect buttons, and a D-pad that, while controversial, is deemed adequate by the reviewer.
  • 🔄 The device's performance is best balanced in 'balanced performance mode' with 'low fan mode', according to the reviewer's tests.
  • 🎁 Sponsored content mentions deals on LTT store.com, including discounts on various products during a 'lime day' promotion.
  • 📱 The device has a controller binding issue that affects the user experience, especially in gaming scenarios.
  • 🖥 The screen is bright and meets the manufacturer's specifications, but it's only 60Hz, limiting the device's performance in fast-paced games.
  • 💰 The price point of the AYANEO Pocket S is considered high when compared to the capabilities and market competition, especially for the 1080p version.
  • 🤔 The reviewer expresses uncertainty about the device's value proposition and suggests that future products from the company might be more promising.

Q & A

  • What is the main idea behind the AYANEO Pocket S?

    -The AYANEO Pocket S is a handheld gaming device designed to maximize efficiency in battery life while offering adequate performance. It features a compact form factor and is powered by Qualcomm's new G3x Gen 2.

  • How does the form factor of the AYANEO Pocket S justify its existence?

    -The form factor of the AYANEO Pocket S is compact and portable, making it an attractive option for those looking for a handheld gaming device. The reviewer mentions that they are 'kind of loving the feel of this thing'.

  • What is the significance of the collaboration between IO and Qualcomm on the AYANEO Pocket S?

    -IO has been working with Qualcomm for nearly a year to develop the AYANEO Pocket S. It features Qualcomm's new G3x Gen 2, which is a gaming-centric processor similar to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 but with a more powerful GPU.

  • How does the AYANEO Pocket S handle heat during high-performance gaming sessions?

    -The device can get quite warm, especially in the top left area where the speakers are located. The reviewer noted that it 'got a little toasty' during testing in its highest performance profile.

  • What are the notable features of the AYANEO Pocket S in terms of connectivity and expansion?

    -The AYANEO Pocket S includes a fully-fledged USB 3.2 Gen 2 port and micro SD expansion, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of data transfer and storage.

  • What is the purpose of the turbo mode switch on the AYANEO Pocket S?

    -The turbo mode switch on the AYANEO Pocket S allows users to fully unleash the device's performance, although the reviewer recommends a balanced performance mode for the best balance of battery life, performance, and user experience.

  • How does the AYANEO Pocket S handle controller configuration and control mapping?

    -The controller configuration and control mapping on the AYANEO Pocket S can be a bit hit and miss. The reviewer mentions that while performance was good, binding controls was a challenge.

  • What are the main selling points of the AYANEO Pocket S according to the script?

    -The main selling points of the AYANEO Pocket S include its beefy vapor chamber cooler, a biology-inspired metal ring around the outside, and a bright IPS screen that exceeds specifications for brightness and has reasonable color volume.

  • What are the potential drawbacks of the AYANEO Pocket S mentioned in the script?

    -The potential drawbacks include the device's price, starting at $590, which puts it in competition with entry-level x86 handhelds. Additionally, the screen is only 60Hz, limiting the device's ability to take full advantage of its performance capabilities.

  • What is the reviewer's final verdict on the AYANEO Pocket S?

    -The reviewer does not see putting their money into the AYANEO Pocket S due to its price and some oversights in its design. However, they express hope for future handheld devices from IO in collaboration with Qualcomm.

Outlines

00:00

🕹️ Handheld Gaming Device Review

The script discusses a handheld gaming device that aims to balance efficiency and battery life with performance. It humorously contrasts the trend in laptops with the handheld gaming market, questioning the need for the device in a competitive landscape with products like the Steam Deck. The device, possibly from IO, features a Qualcomm G3x Gen 2 processor, which is a gaming-centric chip with a powerful GPU. The script mentions issues with heat management and fan noise, as well as the device's form factor and controls, which include a turbo mode switch and a USB 3.2 Gen 2 port. The reviewer finds the controller configuration challenging, especially with the right stick and onscreen controls, but appreciates the device's brightness and ergonomics. The script also includes a sponsored segment for LTT store.com, offering deals and discounts.

05:01

📱 Handheld Device's Performance and Price Critique

This paragraph delves into the performance and price concerns of the handheld gaming device. The reviewer notes the device's solid performance with a battery life ranging from 6 to 10 hours, depending on the settings. The screen is praised for its brightness and color volume but criticized for its 60Hz refresh rate, which limits the device's performance potential. The ergonomics are liked, but the controller binding issue is a significant drawback, making the device less appealing compared to alternatives like a Backbone strap for Android phones. The high starting price of $590 is a major point of contention, especially when compared to the capabilities and prices of x86 handhelds. The reviewer also mentions a 1440p limited edition but notes the difficulty in finding the base 1080p version for sale. The script ends with a comparison to the Ayn Odin, suggesting that despite its flaws, it might be a more sensible choice due to its lower price.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡ARM-powered device

An ARM-powered device refers to a gadget that uses ARM architecture for its processor. ARM is a design for microprocessor cores that is widely used in mobile devices for its efficiency and power management. In the video, the AYANEO Pocket S is an ARM-powered handheld gaming device that aims to maximize battery life while providing adequate performance, which is a significant aspect of its appeal and functionality.

💡IOP Pocket S

The IOP Pocket S is the specific handheld gaming device being reviewed in the video. It is a product that is positioned in a market with other competitors like the Steam Deck. The device features a unique form factor and is powered by Qualcomm's new G3x Gen 2, which is central to the discussions in the video about its performance, heat output, and overall gaming experience.

💡Qualcomm G3x Gen 2

Qualcomm G3x Gen 2 is a chipset designed for gaming-centric handheld devices. It is related to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 and features an octacore layout with an enhanced GPU running at a higher clock speed. The script mentions that this chipset impacts the device's heat output, particularly when the device is in its highest performance profile, indicating its significance in the device's overall performance and thermal management.

💡Heat of the device

The heat of the device is a critical factor in handheld gaming devices, as excessive heat can affect performance and user comfort. The video script notes that the AYANEO Pocket S gets 'a little toasty,' especially in the top left area near the speakers, which is a concern for potential buyers considering the device's performance and long-term use.

💡USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port

A USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port is a type of Universal Serial Bus port that supports higher data transfer rates compared to its predecessors. In the context of the AYANEO Pocket S, having this port is highlighted as a positive feature, allowing for faster data transfers and potentially better connectivity with external devices.

💡Turbo mode switch

The turbo mode switch is a physical button on the AYANEO Pocket S that presumably allows the user to switch the device into a higher performance mode. The script mentions this as a feature, indicating that the device gives users the option to adjust performance levels according to their needs.

💡Hall effect

Hall effect refers to a type of sensor technology used in the triggers and tertiary buttons of the AYANEO Pocket S. It uses magnetic actuation to determine the position of the stick, which can provide a more responsive and accurate input for gaming. However, the script also points out that hall effect does not necessarily equate to quality, as mechanical centering is still essential for a good user experience.

💡Controller binding

Controller binding is the process of mapping controls to a game or emulator on a device. The script discusses the challenges of controller binding on Android devices, particularly with the AYANEO Pocket S, where the process was described as 'hit and miss,' indicating potential software or compatibility issues that affect the user experience.

💡LTT store.com

LTT store.com is mentioned in the script as a sponsor and is used as an example of a platform offering deals and discounts. The video script uses it to promote a 'lime day' sale, which includes discounts on various products, such as a short circuit hoodie and a Mac addess Oxford shirt, illustrating the marketing aspect of the video content.

💡Vapor chamber cooler

A vapor chamber cooler is a type of cooling technology that uses the phase change of a liquid to dissipate heat. The script mentions this as one of the main selling points of the AYANEO Pocket S, suggesting that it is designed to keep the device cool during intense gaming sessions, although it also adds weight to the device.

💡Price

The price is a crucial factor for consumers when considering the purchase of a product. The video script discusses the AYANEO Pocket S's price point, starting at $590, and compares it to other handheld devices, such as x86 handhelds, which can run any game at a potentially lower cost. The price is highlighted as a significant concern in the evaluation of the device's value proposition.

Highlights

The AYANEO Pocket S is an ARM-powered device designed for maximum battery efficiency and adequate performance.

The form factor of the device justifies its existence in a market with handheld gaming competitors like the Steam Deck.

The device features Qualcomm's new G3x Gen 2, closely related to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 with an enhanced GPU.

The device's high-performance mode can lead to increased heat, especially in the top left area.

The device includes a fully-fledged USB 3.2 Gen 2 Port and micro SD expansion.

The turbo mode switch allows for unleashing the device's full performance.

The best balance of battery life, performance, and user experience is found in balanced performance mode with low fan mode.

The device's fan mode can be quite loud, affecting the user experience.

The device's controller configuration can be problematic, especially with Android emulators.

The LTT store.com offers deals and discounts, including a short circuit hoodie and a Mac addess Oxford shirt.

The device features a beefy vapor chamber cooler and a metal ring inspired by biology.

The device is dense and heavy due to its cooling system.

Hall effect in the device's controls does not guarantee quality and can lead to inconsistencies.

The device's screen is bright, exceeding its rated specifications, but only supports 60Hz refresh rate.

The device offers solid performance with battery life ranging from 6 to 10 hours depending on the performance profile.

The ergonomics of the device are appreciated, despite some oversights in the final product.

The device's price starts at $59, competing with entry-level x86 handhelds.

A 1440p limited edition of the device is available, but the 1080p version is harder to find.

The AYANEO Pocket S may not be a worthwhile investment compared to other gaming handhelds on the market.

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